Lataji, please show us Mohammed Rafi’s apology letter

A cold war between two legends, fought about half a century ago, has occupied our mind space, as also some column inches in the newspapers, these days. Lata Mangeshkar’s claim, in an interview, that she agreed to resume singing with Mohammed Rafi after he wrote her an apology letter has raised hackles. The late singer’s son, Shahid, has said he’s considering taking legal action against her.

Ego clashes and fallouts have been common in the Hindi film industry. Some of the biggest names, whether facing the camera or working behind the scenes, have been involved in epic battles that saw them never work together again. But it’s particularly sad that an episode which should have remained consigned to film history has turned up like a bad penny. Mohammed Rafi’s fans feel Lata Mangeshkar’s claim, made 32 years after his death, does no justice to him. Composer Jaikishen, who is supposed to have brokered a truce and secured the apology letter, is not around either to clear the air.

The Rafi-Lata argument over royalties is old hat. That they didn’t sing together for several years in the 1960s is well known. What was not known so far was the existence of an “I-am-sorry” missive from Mohammed Rafi. To uphold her own credibility, if not anybody else’s, Lata Mangeshkar should come out with the alleged letter. Only that will silence people who speak darkly about her. While waiting for Lata Mangeshkar to act appropriately, let’s revisit and listen to some songs for which she and Mohd Rafi collaborated. These numbers are among the greatest duets ever sung. We are blessed to have been able to hear such melodies. Are we interested in anything else?

Author

Shirish Koyal, a senior editor with TOI, has spent more than half his life working for TOI. Whether he's watching TV, reading on the Web, working in the office or taking a walk, he discerns social faults and cracks, and agonizes over them. He has bittersweet feelings about the vocation he embraced about three decades ago. But, for now, he's holding the truce. Before you start thinking he's totally surly, let us tell you he loves listening to music (not all), reading poetry (some), walking on beaches (only clean ones), and cooking (once in a blue moon).

Shirish Koyal, a senior editor with TOI, has spent more than half his life working for TOI. Whether he's watching TV, reading on the Web, working in the off. . .